NRFF President, Kelechukwu Mbagwu.The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has appointed Bronson Weir from Cape Town, South Africa as the new coach of the country’s men’s national team, the Black Stallions.
According to the federation, Weir would be in charge of the Black Stallions’ international warm up game against Niger Republic slated for Niamey on August 11.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Lagos, NRFF President, Kelechukwu Mbagwu said plans had been finalised

Nigeria Rugby national team (Black Stallions)
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced that the senior men’s national team, Black Stallions will open camp on August 1 to prepare for a friendly game with Niger Republic on August 11. The camp will feature 30 players.
The NRFF told The Guardian yesterday that the Niger Republic friendly, which is the first international game the national team would play since the international ban on the countr

The national rugby team will meet Niger Republic in a friendly game ahead of the Africa Sevens qualifier scheduled for Lagos.Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has lined up a friendly game with Niger Republic to get the Black Stallions ready for the Africa Sevens Rugby qualifiers, which it will host from September 15 to 16.
According to Black Stallions captain, Azeez Ladipo, the African qualifiers, which will feature six teams, including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sierra Leon

RugbyThe Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the appointment of James Goode as the first General Manager of the rugby national teams.According to the federation, James Goode, who is from Cambridge, United Kingdom, will be responsible for the development of the schools, men’s and women’s game, increasing participation of teams in the league and contribute to the general high-performance strategy of rugby players across the country.
James Goode, according t

NRFF President, Kelechukwu Mbagwu (second left) with members of world rugby during the AGM in Lagos…at the weekend.The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) at the weekend adopted a new constitution, which allows all stakeholders to have a say in the affairs of the body.
The constitution, which is part of Africa and World rugby’s requirement before they recognise the Kelechukwu Mbagwu led NRFF board, was adopted at an extraordinary annual general meeting, which had

As part of efforts to create more awareness in the game of rugby, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), has opened a new rugby house at Surulere, Lagos.According to the federation, the house equipped with modern states-of-the-act equipment, would enable the board keep adequate records of all rugby players in the country.
He added that this will also assist the board keep close tab with activities of the domestic clubs, rugby leagues across the country and national teams preparations for

Rugby
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has revealed that the second round of matches of the CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Limited sponsored South West League will begin today at the National Stadium’s NIS pitch, Lagos.
The newly appointed NRFF Technical Director, Ntiense Williams assured that the last three remaining sets of matches promise to be explosive based on a lot of technical and tactical improvements in the just concluded r

Eddie Jones has apologised for a foul-mouthed outburst during England&#039;s 21-8 victory over Argentina at Twickenham last weekend. Eddie Jones has apologised for a foul-mouthed outburst during England's 21-8 victory over Argentina at Twickenham last weekend.The England coach vented his frustration during the second half, with television cameras showing him slamming down a notebook in the coaches' box in the second half and mouthing two successive expletives."I'd like to apologise for swear

Mathieu Bastareaud returned to the starting XV after a two year absence as France coach Guy Noves picked four uncapped players on Thursday to face New Zealand in Paris on Saturday. Mathieu Bastareaud returned to the starting XV after a two year absence as France coach Guy Noves picked four uncapped players on Thursday to face New Zealand in Paris on Saturday.
Fly-half Anthony Belleau, 21, will make his debut alongside scrum-half Antoine Dupont, 20 and with just three caps and none of those from

Half-backs Bernard Foley and Will Genia have been recalled into the Australia side to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Half-backs Bernard Foley and Will Genia have been recalled into the Australia side to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.The experienced duo missed last week's 63-30 thrashing of Japan in Yokohama, with fly-half Foley sidelined through illness and scrum-half Genia ruled out with a calf problem.They are both fit for the match at the Principality Stadium.Reece Hodge moves back to

Ireland have complained to world rugby chiefs over the selection process for the 2023 World Cup after a controversial technical report gave South Africa the best rating. Ireland have complained to world rugby chiefs over the selection process for the 2023 World Cup after a controversial technical report gave South Africa the best rating.The Rugby World Cup Board last week recommended the World Rugby Council award the tournament to South Africa, which the report placed ahead of France and Ireland

French rugby chief Bernard Laporte raised the stakes in a bitter war of words over the destiny of the 2023 World Cup on Tuesday by saying the sport risks being seen as weak over doping. French rugby chief Bernard Laporte raised the stakes in a bitter war of words over the destiny of the 2023 World Cup on Tuesday by saying the sport risks being seen as weak over doping.Last week, the Rugby World Cup Board recommended the World Rugby Council award the tournament to South Africa after a technical r

French rugby chief Bernard Laporte told AFP Friday that he wants the report recommending South Africa as 2023 World Cup hosts to be modified, believing that France&#039;s credentials are more impressive. French rugby chief Bernard Laporte told AFP Friday that he wants the report recommending South Africa as 2023 World Cup hosts to be modified, believing that France's credentials are more impressive.South Africa moved into pole position ahead of France and Ireland when the Rugby World Cup Boa

All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith has escaped with a formal warning for &#034;inconsistencies&#034; in his claims about what happened during his highly publicised airport toilet tryst. All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith has escaped with a formal warning for "inconsistencies" in his claims about what happened during his highly publicised airport toilet tryst, New Zealand Rugby bosses said Saturday.It is the second warning Smith has received since he was caught emerging with a woman from a

Beauden Barrett has said being appointed captain of New Zealand for the world champions&#039; tour opener against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday was &#034;beyond my wildest imagination&#034;. Beauden Barrett has said being appointed captain of New Zealand for the world champions' tour opener against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday was "beyond my wildest imagination".This weekend's clash, in front of an expected crowd of more than 60,000, will, remarkably, represent

New Zealand have no qualms accepting &#034;compliments&#034; from England coach Eddie Jones, the world champions said Thursday. New Zealand have no qualms accepting "compliments" from England coach Eddie Jones, the world champions said Thursday.Jones's men, who are not due to play the All Blacks again until November next year, are set to be one of the main challengers when New Zealand bid for a third successive global title at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.The England coach recently spoke

That is a tough task given there have been five different winners of English rugby&#039;s premier prize in the last six years. Rob Baxter prays the remarkable fairytale which has seen his Exeter Chiefs progress from the second tier to being crowned English champions will continue in the fast approaching 2017/18 campaign.The 46-year-old -- an Exeter institution having also played for them for 14 years -- said he hoped the players had put beind them the epic win over Wasps in the Premiership f

Waterman was taken off during the first half of England&#039;s semi-final victory over France on Tuesday. England full-back Danielle Waterman will miss the Women's Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand after suffering a concussion.Waterman was taken off during the first half of England's semi-final victory over France on Tuesday.The 32-year-old has been unable to recover in time for the final at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium.Waterman, who has won 74 caps, could be replaced by Emily Scarratt

Prop Sarah Bern and substitute back Megan Jones scored the decisive second-half tries for England at Kingspan Stadium. England will face New Zealand in the women's Rugby World Cup final after the holders cruised to a 20-3 victory against France in Belfast on Tuesday.Prop Sarah Bern and substitute back Megan Jones scored the decisive second-half tries for England at Kingspan Stadium.Emily Scarratt was the star when England defeated Canada to win the title three years ago and once again the centre

Their research had indicated the average assessment as to whether the player is concussed had taken marginally over seven minutes. Players who leave the field of play during a rugby match for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) must stay off the pitch for 10 minutes, the sport's governing body announced on Thursday.World Rugby said that the new ruling, which will be enforced globally from August 26, would help to "further promote a calm and clinical environment" for the head assessment to take place.

Newly elected Nigeria Rugby Football Federation President (NRFF), Kenechukwu Mbagwu has restated his commitment to the development of the sport, promising that his board will take the game to all corners of the country. Speaking in Lagos yesterday at a media parley to usher in the programme of his board, the CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Managing Director, whose company has been sponsoring the Nigeria Rugby League and national team to major events for over 10 years, said the new b

The veteran hooker, who has played for Australia 120 times, is the tenth most-capped international of all-time. Wallabies captain Stephen Moore announced his retirement Thursday from international rugby at the end of this year, but he will play one more season for the Queensland Reds.The veteran hooker, who has played for Australia 120 times, is the tenth most-capped international of all-time and second only to George Gregan (139) as the most-capped Australian.Moore, 34, will play for the Wallab

Cheika selected 38 players from the Queensland Reds, Western Force, NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels, with the Super Rugby... A host of new faces were called up by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on Wednesday for a training squad ahead of their clash with New Zealand, but Quade Cooper and Scott Higginbotham were left out.Cheika selected 38 players from the Queensland Reds, Western Force, NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels, with the Super Rugby finals-bound ACT Brumbies excluded.They included firs

After a cameo off the bench in the first Test, Itoje seized his chance to start in the second, notching a game-high 15 tackles... Lock Maro Itoje has transformed in New Zealand from the baby of the British and Irish Lions camp into a cult hero who fans believe can inspire a historic Test series win over the All Blacks.The second rower goes into the series decider in Auckland with his ears still ringing from the chants of travelling supporters bellowing his name as they urged the Lions to a famou

Lions assistant coach Rob Howley, talking up the huge shift in momentum in the fortnight since they lost the first Test. The All Blacks and British and Irish Lions wrapped up preparations for Saturday's deciding third Test, with the visitors confident they are on the verge of an historic victory."You can see a glint in the players' eyes," said Lions assistant coach Rob Howley, talking up the huge shift in momentum in the fortnight since they lost the first Test."There's been a glint in their eye

An announcement relating to new international opportunities for the dumped teams will be made in due course. South African teams Central Cheetahs and Southern Kings were ditched from Super Rugby Friday amid reports they will seek places in an expanded European Pro12 competition.An announcement relating to new international opportunities for the dumped teams will be made in due course, South African Rugby said in a statement.Pro12 currently consists of four Irish and Welsh teams and two from Ital

The All Blacks outscored the Lions three tries to two to maintain their 24-year unbeaten record at Eden Park. Rieko Ioane scored two second-half tries as the world champion All Blacks stamped their authority with a 30-15 victory in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
Both tries were off the back of demolition work by a powerful New Zealand pack. The All Blacks outscored the Lions three tries to two to maintain their 24-year unbeaten record at Eden Park.
After a fevere

Ireland overpowered Japan 35-13 on Saturday for their second straight win over their hosts to finish with a perfect record in their three-game summer tour. Ireland overpowered Japan 35-13 on Saturday for their second straight win over their hosts to finish with a perfect record in their three-game summer tour.Joe Schmidt's second-string side looked on course to rack up 50 points for the third successive match -- the first of which was against the USA -- as they ran in four first-half tries in To

New Zealand reclaimed the rugby union world under-20 title on Sunday with a crushing 64-17 victory over England in Tbilisi. New Zealand reclaimed the rugby union world under-20 title on Sunday with a crushing 64-17 victory over England in Tbilisi.The Baby Blacks ran in 10 tries with hooker Asafo Aumua claiming a hat-trick.They led 40-7 at half-time as they built a base for their seventh success in 10 editions of the world event.New Zealand scored an average 62 points in each of their five matche

The teams scored three tries each but Scotland were 17-12 ahead at half-time and after regaining the lead midway through the second period. Scotland dug deep to pull off a 24-19 victory and end a run of close defeats against Australia in a gripping rugby union international in Sydney on Saturday.The teams scored three tries each but Scotland were 17-12 ahead at half-time and after regaining the lead midway through the second period, they held on gamely for the win.It meant Scotland finally taste

Moriarty, who played in the tour opener against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, becomes the Lions&#039; second loss to injury after fullback Stuart Hogg departed. Wales flanker Ross Moriarty was ruled out of the British and Irish Lions tour with a nerve injury on Saturday as coach Warren Gatland called up his first batch of reinforcements.Moriarty, who played in the tour opener against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, becomes the Lions' second loss to injury after fullback Stuar

Ben Volavola&#039;s kick gave Fiji the edge in a contest in which the home team excelled during broken play but were dominated in the set piece. Fiji conjured a dramatic drop goal after the full-time siren to defeat Italy 22-19 in a one-off Test in Suva on Saturday, extending the Azzurri's losing streak to eight games.Ben Volavola's kick gave Fiji the edge in a contest in which the home team excelled during broken play but were dominated in the set piece.It was a heartbreaking loss for Itali

Veteran Moore only made the bench in Australia&#039;s 37-14 win against Fiji last weekend and may not get that far in on Saturday. Wallabies captain Stephen Moore was overlooked for the second Test in a row on Thursday, as Eto Nabuli was handed his debut against a Scottish team making eight changes after last week's thumping win against Italy.Veteran Moore only made the bench in Australia's 37-14 win against Fiji last weekend and may not get that far in Sydney on Saturday, with coach Michael

Injured All Blacks&#039; captain Kieran Read and fly-half Aaron Cruden have been ruled out of New Zealand&#039;s Test against Samoa. Injured All Blacks' captain Kieran Read and fly-half Aaron Cruden have been ruled out of New Zealand's Test against Samoa but will be fit to face the British and Irish Lions, coach Steve Hansen said Sunday.However, hooker Dane Coles -- who is battling concussion problems -- would not be considered, Hansen said, as the All Blacks assembled in Auckland before

South Africa scored a season-opening 37-14 Test triumph over France in Pretoria Saturday to regain some pride after a disastrous previous campaign. South Africa scored a season-opening 37-14 Test triumph over France in Pretoria Saturday to regain some pride after a disastrous previous campaign.The Springboks lost eight of 12 Tests last year and there has been media speculation that a series loss to France over three Tests would see coach Allister Coetzee sacked.But after France trailed just 16-1

Israel Folau and Henry Speight scored try doubles as Australia launched their international season with a 37-14 win over Fiji in Melbourne on Saturday. Israel Folau and Henry Speight scored try doubles as Australia launched their international season with a 37-14 win over Fiji in Melbourne on Saturday.Fullback Folau was outstanding in attack, running over 150 metres for the match, and Fijian-born winger Speight finished well as the Wallabies outscored Fiji five tries to two after leading 18-0 at

The Springboks face France Saturday at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria in the first of three Tests. South Africa coach Allister Coetzee is banking on a lot of Lion-hearted stars as he plots the first step toward redemption after a catastrophic maiden season in charge.The Springboks face France Saturday at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria in the first of three Tests with a line-up that acknowledges the prowess of the Golden Lions.Lions were Super Rugby runners-up last year and, as the only

Wallaby great Giteau will play his final match for Toulon before heading to Japan but will have to be content with a place on the replacement&#039;s bench. Former New Zealand international Ma'a Nonu returns to start at inside centre for Toulon in the Top 14 final against Clermont on Sunday but Matt Giteau is only on the bench.Wallaby great Giteau will play his final match for Toulon before heading to Japan but will have to be content with a place on the replacement's bench.But two other depa

Coach Warren Gatland described the performance as &#034;not quite accurate in some really critical moments&#034;. The British and Irish Lions admitted to having "plenty to work on" after a scrappy New Zealand tour opener where they struggled to a 13-7 win over a New Zealand Provincial Barbarians side on Saturday.Coach Warren Gatland described the performance as "not quite accurate in some really critical moments".Before a sellout crowd of 20,000 at Toll Stadium in Whangarei, it was the B

The 47-year-old former Toulouse player replaces 71-year-old Jean-René Bouscatel who leaves after nearly 25 years with the southwestern club. Businessman Didier Lacroix was on Tuesday appointed president of fallen French rugby giants Toulouse as the club look to rebuild financially and on the pitch after a disastrous season.The 47-year-old former Toulouse player replaces 71-year-old Jean-René Bouscatel who leaves after nearly 25 years with the southwestern club.After emblematic mana

&#034;We won&#039;t say what he has but Ma&#039;a Nonu trained today (Monday). We&#039;re counting on him for the final,&#034; said Boudjellal. Toulon are counting on Ma'a Nonu for this weekend's Top 14 final against Clermont after the New Zealand centre missed the semi-finals for personal reasons, club president Mourad Boudjellal said Monday."We won't say what he has but Ma'a Nonu trained today (Monday). We're counting on him for the final," said Boudjellal.Toulon are target

England fly-half George Ford has warned the Six Nations champions to prepare for a &#034;hostile&#034; atmosphere when they travel to Argentina for a two-Test series next month. England fly-half George Ford has warned the Six Nations champions to prepare for a "hostile" atmosphere when they travel to Argentina for a two-Test series next month.Ford, along with several other players in the England squad, may have been overlooked for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand but he in

A veteran of 57 Tests, the blindside flanker said he wanted to focus on philanthropic interests and his family. Wallabies and NSW Waratahs forward Dean Mumm on Wednesday announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the 2017 season.A veteran of 57 Tests, the blindside flanker said he wanted to focus on philanthropic interests and his family.Mumm will hike to the North Pole next year in a quest to raise funds for Borne, a premature birth research charity."I've had a great career in rugby and

No 8 Read, a double Rugby World Cup champion and 2013 World Player of the Year, has played 97 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2008, 22 as captain. All Blacks captain Kieran Read has signed a deal to stay in New Zealand rugby through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.No 8 Read, a double Rugby World Cup champion and 2013 World Player of the Year, has played 97 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2008, 22 as captain."I love playing for the All Blacks and Crusaders, lo

The Paris club had been subject of an initial probe by customs officials in January 2012 on its four previous seasons. French champions Racing 92 have been ordered to pay more than 750,000 euros in unpaid taxes on match revenues dating between 2008-13, a Versailles appeal court ruled Tuesday.The Paris club had been subject of an initial probe by customs officials in January 2012 on its four previous seasons.That investigation found that Racing had avoided paying taxes under a local law dating ba

The 28-year-old Welsh backrow forward said he had fully recovered from a knee injury that laid him low in early April. Sam Warburton boosted the British and Irish Lions on Monday declaring himself fit and ready to captain them on June's daunting tour of New Zealand which includes a three-Test series with the world champions.The 28-year-old Welsh backrow forward -- who coach Warren Gatland named as skipper after his successful captaincy in the series win over Australia four years ago -- said he h

The widely respected Smith said he would step down at the end of the Rugby Championship in September. All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith announced Friday he was leaving the world champions, saying he needed to "take a break" from the game.The widely respected Smith, part of the brains trust that helped guide New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups, said he would step down at the end of the Rugby Championship in September.The 60-year-old said he had been involved in the All Blacks' coaching se

If Owens is ruled out of the 10-match tour, Hartley would seem to be an obvious replacement. England captain Dylan Hartley moved a step closer to a possible late British and Irish Lions call-up on Thursday after a fitness scare involving Ken Owens.Wales hooker Owens will miss the Scarlets' Celtic League play-off clash against Leinster in Dublin on Friday because of an ankle injury.Owens was one of three hookers named in the 41-man squad for the Lions tour of Hartley's native New Zealand, alongsi

Cockerill took the reins of the Top 14 club, ensuring a top-six finish to set up a play-off quarter-final against Castres on Friday. By anyone's reckoning, Richard Cockerill has enjoyed a whirlwind six months: sacked by Leicester, hired by a Toulon side he once dubbed "mercenaries" and named as Edinburgh coach for next season.The 46-year-old former England hooker was brought into Toulon by Mike Ford, just four days after being forced out of Leicester.When Ford himself was ousted by Toulon's pres